Reconnecting Black Youth with Nature
This year, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with the crew at EMPOCA and their Black Nature Heroes cohort. This initiative focuses on empowering Black youth in Germany to reconnect with nature, an experience that holds deep significance for me and the mission of Grown in Haiti.
At Grown in Haiti, our work centers around community empowerment, ecological restoration, and the idea that true sustainability can’t exist without community. Speaking with the EMPOCA cohort reminded me how crucial it is for young people—no matter where they are—to feel a sense of belonging to the natural world.
Our Role Within Ecosystems
Part of what we spoke about was our role and participation within our ecosystems. Whether you find yourself in a dense forest, an urban park, or a city street, you are part of the system.
What you do matters.
Every action, no matter how small, has an impact. Recognizing this connection helps us understand our responsibility to protect and nurture the environment around us. It empowers us to take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more regenerative world.
Stories of Resilience and Regeneration
During the talk, we shared stories of regenerative practices in Haiti:
Planting trees 🌳
Restoring soil health 🌱
Creating spaces where communities and nature thrive together 🌿
We discussed how reconnecting to land can be a powerful act of healing, resistance, and growth.
The Power of Youth Engagement
One of the highlights was seeing the passion in the youth—their curiosity about sustainability and their eagerness to create change. It reinforced a simple truth:
Empowering youth to engage with nature not only transforms their lives but also shapes the future of our communities and our planet.
Breaking Barriers in the African Diaspora
For many of us in the African diaspora, disconnection from nature is a result of historical displacement and systemic barriers. Initiatives like EMPOCA are breaking down these barriers, giving Black youth the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reclaim their place in the natural world.
When young people see themselves reflected in environmental spaces, they understand that:
Their voices matter 🗣️
Their experiences are valid 💬
Their connection to the earth is a legacy worth preserving 🌍
A Shared Mission
Grown in Haiti and EMPOCA share a common mission:
To nurture communities, protect the environment, and ensure that future generations can thrive. These conversations build bridges across oceans, connecting youth in Germany to the resilience and regenerative spirit of Haiti.
I’m deeply grateful for this collaboration and excited about the possibilities ahead. As we continue planting seeds of knowledge and empowerment, let’s remember that:
🌿 Nature belongs to all of us, and together, we have the power to shape a sustainable, just, and abundant future.
Thank you to Anthony and the entire EMPOCA team for the opportunity to share, learn, and grow together. Let’s keep the conversation going and the roots growing strong. 🌱
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